6/2/2015
“… for I was hungry and you gave me food …” (Matthew 25:35)
The Partners’ Pantry is a new mission for Rock Point of stewarding its land and heritage to reach out to the hungry at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, through a collaboration of partner organizations using the property … modeling for other churches and organizations how to replicate such a program on a smaller scale in their own communities.
Deacon Jackie Arbuckle wrote a grant proposal to the diocesan Stirrings of the Spirit committee and was awarded $7000 for this venture. The grant will support the startup of The Partners’ Pantry by providing garden tools and supplies, preserving equipment and supplies, and a part-time summer coordinator.
One of the success indicators in the Rock Point Board’s new Land Use Plan is “Gardening that reaches out to the hungry and programs that incorporate those living in poverty.” To this end the Rock Point Intentional Community has joined with other Rock Point partner organizations: The Homeward Bound Collective; Community Gardens; Crow’s Path; the Rock Point School; the Rock Point Board; and the Property Manager.
We intend to not only donate additional fresh organic, healthy food from sustainable gardens in season, but also to add the canning and freezing of the same produce for the rest of the year.
Produce will be supplied by the Homeward Bound’s and Community Gardens at Rock Point, the Crow’s Path orchards, surplus from All Saints’ Church Community Gardeners, and other area farms. In addition to these already committed partners, we invite other faith communities and gardeners in Chittenden County to supply both organic produce and volunteers.
To get things growing, there will be a Garden volunteers workday and orientation – Wednesday, June 3rd from 11:00am-3:00pm, in the gardens just past the Rock Point School.
Along with growing food and preserving produce to supply the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf on a year-round, rather than just seasonal basis, The Partners’ Pantry will conduct trainings and workshops at Rock Point’s Bishop Booth Conference Center. No fees will be charged, but donations will be cheerfully accepted! Those scheduled are:
Canning and Freezing- Monday, July 27th from 5:00-7:00 pm
Canning and Freezing Monday , August 10th from 10:00 am-noon
Watch for flyers and notices for the following!!
A series of Preserving Bees (like quilting bees) will be scheduled at the Bishop Booth Conference Center kitchen on Mondays from 3 – 7 pm August 3rd through September 28th. Many volunteers will be needed!! Volunteer schedule
Additional workshops will be scheduled on the following topics –
- Herbal Medicine
- Foraging
- Composting
A celebration Harvest Supper, open to the public, will be held on Saturday, October 10th from 4:30 pm until sunset.
For more information, contact Jackie Arbuckle